Text-based social network X saw a nearly 10% drop in daily active users in Q2 2025 compared to last year, as competition from Meta’s Threads intensifies. While X still leads with significantly more users than Threads and Bluesky, Threads’ rapid growth—up 127.8% year-over-year—raises doubts about X’s long-term dominance. Despite this, X users spend four times longer daily on the platform than Threads users. Bluesky gained users last year amid U.S. election protests but has slowed since early 2025.

A growing number of children aged 12–15 are voluntarily taking breaks from smartphones, computers, and social media due to concerns about mental health, attention, and safety, according to a global study. Experts say kids are learning to manage their online time independently. UK data shows many now mute notifications or use “Do Not Disturb” mode. Parents are also becoming stricter about screen time, especially after watching the Netflix documentary Adolescence, which highlights the effects of digital overuse on youth.

Digital scams are affecting over 600 million people globally each year, with nearly 1.67 million falling victim daily. A report by Exploding Topics highlights the growing threat of online fraud, especially via phones, texts, emails, social media, and AI-driven voice scams. Scammers often use fake links and online marketplaces to steal personal data or money. Developing nations like Pakistan, Kenya, and South Africa are losing over 3% of their GDP. In 2024 alone, global scam-related losses totaled $1.03 trillion—most of it unrecoverable.

The Palestinian Health Ministry and Al Jazeera have reported that 20-year-old American Saifollah Musallet was killed in a brutal attack by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank. Musallet, who had traveled from Florida to visit his family, was viciously beaten to death in the northern West Bank town of Sinjel near Ramallah. Another Palestinian, Mohammad Shalabi, was shot at the scene. While the U.S. State Department has confirmed the incident, it has not provided further details. Human rights activists accuse Israeli settlers of regularly attacking, looting, and setting fire to Palestinian villages in the West Bank. Ask ChatGPT

Floodwaters from upstream have newly inundated parts of Chhagalnaiya, Feni Sadar, and Daganbhuiyan upazilas in Feni district, affecting 114 villages. One man died in Phulgazi while fishing during the floods. Though rain has stopped, water continues to flow in through breached embankments. Thousands remain stranded, with over 9,200 people sheltering in relief centers. Army, BGB, police, and volunteers are engaged in rescue and relief efforts. Locals say this is a repeat of 2024’s devastation, and they fear more hardship amid ongoing damage and waterlogging.

Following a social media post where Israeli journalist Israel Frey expressed jubilation over the deaths of Israeli soldiers in Gaza, Tel Aviv court extended his detention. Frey criticized the military’s actions, stating the world is better off with the death of “five war criminals.” He also urged Israeli mothers to bring their children back from the war. Previously, he had been interrogated multiple times for “inciting terrorism” and described Palestinian resistance as “heroic.” In an interview with Haaretz, Frey declared, “I will not bow to oppression. Free Gaza.”

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held their first direct meeting in Malaysia, describing it as “constructive and positive.” The talks came amid escalating US-China tensions due to Trump’s new tariff policies. Rubio said the meeting laid the groundwork for future dialogue and raised hopes for a Trump-Xi Jinping summit. Although China criticized the tariffs as “bullying,” it kept channels open for discussion. Rubio aims to position the US as a better strategic partner for Asia than China, despite Southeast Asian concerns that Trump’s unilateral tariffs are deepening global economic divisions.

The second round of trade discussions between Bangladesh and the United States concluded with partial progress, as both sides reached agreements on several matters while a few key issues remain unresolved. It was decided that inter-ministerial discussions will continue before the next round of meetings, which may be held virtually or in person. Trade Advisor Sheikh Bashir Uddin and Security Advisor Khalilur Rahman expressed optimism about a positive outcome. The three-day talks were coordinated by the Bangladesh Embassy in Washington, D.C.

Tesla is set to open its first showroom in India on July 15, marking a significant step into the country’s growing electric vehicle (EV) market. The “Experience Center” will be located in Mumbai, the financial capital of India. The EV giant signed an agreement in March to establish the showroom. Meanwhile, Tesla is also scouting for a suitable site in New Delhi to expand its presence further in the Indian market. The move signals Tesla’s serious intent to invest in India’s EV future.

Lisanul Alam Lisan, General Secretary of Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology’s student wing, the Student League, resigned on Friday night. In a lengthy Facebook post, while citing personal reasons, he strongly criticized the self-serving and extortion-based politics of BNP, NCP, and Jamaat. He expressed discontent over political parties’ roles following the August 5 mass uprising, accusing leaders of exploiting the sacrifices of martyrs for personal gains. He named NCP leader Hannan Masud in extortion allegations, which Hannan denied, demanding proof. Lisan stated he would return to activism when a genuine call for change arises.

Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar stated that the ongoing military ceasefire between India and Pakistan is still in effect, though India’s political leadership is unwilling to acknowledge it. Dar claimed that India initiated the conflict but later requested a ceasefire over a phone call from the U.S. Secretary of State. Following intense four-day clashes in April this year between the two nuclear-armed neighbors, the ceasefire was brokered through U.S. mediation. Dar also asserted that Pakistan conducted a major military operation named “Operation Bunyan-e-Marsus,” destroying six Indian warplanes. He criticized India’s decision to annul the “Indus Waters Treaty,” calling it provocative, and highlighted Pakistan’s economic progress and its ambition to join the G20. Speaking at the ASEAN Regional Forum in Malaysia, Dar reaffirmed Pakistan’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations.

Legal Adviser Dr. Asif Nazrul has assured swift justice and exemplary punishment for those involved in the brutal public murder of businessman Sohag at Mitford Hospital. In a Facebook post on Saturday, he revealed that five suspects have already been arrested and the case will be sent to a speedy trial tribunal. Sohag was attacked with knives and stones on the evening of July 9 in Rajani Ghosh Lane. The violent incident’s video spread widely on social media, sparking outrage.

A Bangladeshi man involved in cattle smuggling was killed by gunfire from the Indian Border Security Force (BSF) at the Baghanbari border in Doara Bazar Upazila, Sunamganj. On Friday night, Shafiqul Islam, 45, was shot by patrolling BSF personnel while attempting to bring cattle from India. Local residents rushed the injured Shafiqul to the nearby health complex, where doctors declared him dead. Police confirmed that Shafiqul was shot in the chest and preliminary investigations suggest his involvement in cattle smuggling activities.

An Air India Boeing 787 en route from Ahmedabad to London crashed just three seconds after takeoff when fuel supply to both engines was abruptly cut off, killing all 260 people onboard. India’s aviation authority’s preliminary report revealed that both engine fuel switches unexpectedly shifted from “on” to “off”—an anomaly unlikely to happen unintentionally. Cockpit voice recordings captured a pilot questioning the unexpected fuel cutoff. The cause of the crash remains under investigation, with no official technical recommendations issued so far. Among the dead were regular passengers and residents of a nearby medical hostel. Air India has pledged full support to affected families.

Germany is expected to be the hardest hit in Europe by U.S. tariffs, particularly targeting the auto industry. Analysts warn of a 0.4% drop in Germany’s GDP, with ripple effects across Central and Eastern Europe. Ireland also risks major losses if pharmaceutical tariffs are enforced, potentially shrinking its GDP by up to 5%. The EU’s total trade could fall by 8% over five years. Uncertainty may harm investment and jobs, even in countries with limited U.S. exports like France and Spain.